The story of Saint Gióng is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beloved legends, symbolizing patriotism, courage, and the extraordinary spirit of the Vietnamese people. Long ago, during the reign of the sixth Hung King, there lived a kind and hardworking elderly couple in a small village named Gióng. Despite their prayers and efforts, they remained childless. One day, while working in the fields, the wife discovered a giant footprint. Curious, she placed her foot into it, and miraculously, she soon became pregnant.
After twelve months, she gave birth to a beautiful boy who was no ordinary child. Even at three years old, he could neither speak, walk, nor smile, and simply lay motionless. However, when northern invaders known as the Ân came to attack Vietnam, the Hung King sent envoys across the land to find heroes to save the country. Upon hearing this call, the silent boy suddenly spoke for the first time. He asked his mother to invite the king’s envoy to their home and requested that the king forge him an iron horse, an iron sword, and a suit of iron armor so he could fight the invaders. This unexpected awakening marked the rise of a true hero.
The king immediately ordered blacksmiths to work day and night. Meanwhile, the boy, now known as Gióng, began growing at an astonishing rate. He ate enormous amounts of food, and the villagers came together to help feed him. Every new set of clothes he wore tore apart instantly because of his rapid growth. When the iron horse, sword, and armor were finally completed, Gióng, transformed into a giant warrior, donned his armor, mounted the iron horse, and charged into battle. The horse breathed fire, and Gióng’s mighty sword struck down waves of enemy soldiers. When his iron sword broke during battle, he uprooted bamboo trees along the roadside and used them as weapons. With incredible strength, he defeated the Ân invaders and sent them fleeing in terror.
After the victory, Gióng rode his iron horse up to Sóc Mountain and ascended to the heavens, becoming an immortal hero. In honor of his bravery, the king bestowed upon him the title Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, meaning "Heavenly King of Phù Đổng." Temples were built in his memory, and to this day, Vietnamese people celebrate the Gióng Festival every year in the fourth lunar month. Legend says the golden bamboo at Gia Bình, scorched by Gióng’s fiery horse, still shines bright. The hoofprints of his horse turned into lakes and ponds, and the village burned by the flames is now called Làng Cháy, meaning "Burned Village".
The story of Saint Gióng captures the unwavering spirit of the Vietnamese people in defending their homeland. It serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, loyalty, and national pride, inspiring generations to stand strong in the face of adversity.